Interurban transporters sensitised on security measures

Transporters have joined other stakeholders in the sector to help government implement security measures to prevent attacks from the terrorist group, Boko Haram.

They were trained by Cameroon Trade Union of Transporters and Auxiliary Organization (OPSTAC) on August 20, 2015 in Mvan Motor Park in Yaounde. Training modules used by the organisers dwelled on searching passengers, approach by car loaders and the use of scanners to detect bombs and metallic objects.

During the meeting, the organisers insisted that each agency should provide an identification badge and files for each of their workers. They also insisted that vendors around agencies should be identified. One of the trainers, Aaron Kembo, lectured the participants on other strategies to be used by transport agencies while surveillance mirrors should be placed under buses to detect bombs and electrical cables. Thus, mechanics should not be sent under buses to check abnormalities.

Given that the training was organised close to the back-to-school period, the organisers insisted on the safety of the students and pupils who will be travelling back to school. “Parents should no longer send their children to travel on their own,” advised the Secretary General of OPSTAC, Jean Claude Paul Noah.

The workshop was punctuated by complaints by participants that some security men often refuse to present their National Identification cards before travelling.

One of the transport agency head like several others, said that experience with security men had not been cordial “They even refuse that their bags should not be searched,” added another.

Given that nobody is above the law, the Centre Regional Delegate for Transport, Philippe Fernand Balla, instructed that if a security officer refuses to present an identification document, the agency officials concerned should call on the forces of law and order to investigate the person. “By next week, we shall deploy Police officers to agencies,” he promised.